Dream come true for on-point Dales dancer

Molly Ross, 10, was hand-picked for the role when casting agents visited Elmhurst School for Dance in Birmingham, where she studies every Saturday.

The on-point youngster is now set to pirouette alongside revered dancers of the Birmingham Royal Ballet for their Christmas performance of The Nutcracker.

Molly, of The Dale, Bonsall, said: “I feel absolutely amazed to have been picked for the role.

“I thought they must have made a mistake at first, but then it hit me and it now feels like a dream come true.”

Parents Lara and Ewen said they were extremely proud of Molly for earning a place in the performance.

Dad Ewen said: “We are so proud of Molly and pleased that all of her hard work and dedication to ballet has been recognised.

“She has embraced this fantastic opportunity to dance on the big stage with Birmingham Royal Ballet and we wish her all the best.”

Molly, who attends Bonsall Primary School, said she started ballet dancing when she was three-years-old.

“My mum did ballet when she was a little girl, so she took me to classes and I really enjoyed it.

“After a few years a lot of my friends were giving up ballet, but I always wanted to continue with it.”

Molly started attending Ripley Academy of Dance three times a week, something which she continues with.

At ten-years-old, she was scouted by the Elmhurst School for Dance.

Molly, who is big sister to brother Charlie, eight, and sister Florence, five, said: “In September, scouts came round and watched us, looking for people to be in the performance.

“I didn’t think I had much chance, but a few weeks later I found I had a role and was so pleased.”

Despite three ballet practices a week, as well as extra practice at home, Molly still finds time to enjoy other hobbies.

Molly said: “I play the piano and the recorder in my spare time. I also go Irish dancing once a week.”

She added: “I am very busy all the time, especially with my schoolwork too.

“My mum sometimes jokes that she is my taxi service!”

Performances of The Nutcracker are running from November 27 until December 13 at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

To find out more about The Nutcracker and to book tickets, visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/brb-nutcracker.